The article “6 Steps toward that new job and new you” described steps leading to finding a new opportunity.The steps work for seeking a new job or if applied correctly toward creating a new business.People are like products in that businesses need them to be employees. As mentioned in “Repurpose a business or a product to create success“, people can be repurposed or retrained to fill a new position. The mix of desire to make a change along with added training can help in making that move toward the new job.
Repurposing yourself into new fields of work requires being educated about the new direction.You must speak to others in interviews and demonstrate an understanding of the area.Otherwise, the person doing the hiring will not believe you are knowledgeable enough to hire. Spending time learning about the new field and talking to people in that field can help with the education process.
As with any product, marketing is essential to sell the product.Networking is a form of marketing and you are the product.The process will assist you in learning to market your skills in the best way. Networking is one of the best ways to identify a new position.Advertised positions and positions filled by search firms represent around 15% of the job market.This leaves 85% of the market requiring your learning about the opportunities by networking.A few articles that highlight the importance of networking are: a) Networking: Essential for Job Search & Startups, b) 3 Examples of pay it forward networking , c) Networking requires certain tools and attitude, and d) Who Is That?
Risk and reward factor into any change in direction as well as creation of a new business.Always give careful consideration of whether the rewards outweigh the risks.You may desire to run a fortune 100 company, but your skill set does not yet fit.Staging the job search leading to that position requires your taking lower level positions and building your resume and skills sufficient for consideration of the higher-level position. A great piece of advice provided years ago came as a simple thought “It is not this job that is important, but the one that it takes you to next.”Everything you do leads you to a future position: i.e., consider a plan that stages your development.
Breaking change into actionable steps may look like the following:
- Read & learn: You must learn as much as possible about the field and the company you want to work with. Show initiative by reading and learning as much as possible about the company and people involved. Taking classes or speaking with friends may add to your knowledge. Do not expect anyone to be interested in you when you do not bother to learn about him or her or the business!
- Network, network, and network: This is the best method of learning about the new field and identifying openings. The more you network properly, the more you will learn. The closer you stay connected to your network, the more likely a member will call and inform you of a new opportunity they just learned of in their company. Perhaps, one of them will even recommend you to the person recruiting the position. Do not forget that you can learn about the field by asking questions while you network. You also get to practice speaking about the business space and fine-tuning the marketing of you. Networking above all other things has the best chance of influencing your near and long-term direction!
- Refine strategy: Learning and speaking with people in your network will help you in defining a strategy. Reaching too high or too low can cause you to take longer to achieve that ultimate goal. Learning that the job you always wished to obtain is not what you thought it was, may suggest a strategy shift. This is the same for many business endeavors and sometimes referred to as the PIVOT!
- Adjust goals: You set your goals and may have set them on limited knowledge. Reading and conversing with people knowledgeable about your proposed direction is an education process. As an example, your goals may have been to find a job, but you identified a niche business that fills a void. In addition, some of your network may help you start a new business. You realize that creating a business is creating a job for you and for others. Perhaps it is time to consider the Risks versus Rewards and your willingness to take on the challenge of this goal shift!
- Network more: You have narrowed down on a new job or business. You still need to keep on networking, but in a more focused manner. Meet people specific to the field of you job or business objective. Learn as much as you can and adjust your plans as needed.
- Repeat as needed: Finding a new job or starting a company does not happen overnight! It takes time. The need to evaluate your direction and modify it becomes a critical part. You must find a means of being educated about the direction and consider any adjustments. Redirect your efforts when it is required: i.e., PIVOT. You cannot give up, must find the strength each day to continue and remain positive. People tend to react to that positive energy and they shy away from negative attitudes.
You can follow Taffy Williams on Twitter by @twilli2861 and you can email him with questions at twilli2861@aol.com or contact him via company contact info in the website. More Startup information is contained in his personal blog.
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